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Beadwork History
Beadwork History:
**The history of beadwork goes back more than 5000 years.
**Using small seed beads for Egyptian beaded items date back 4000 years.
Seed Beads:
Seed beads are tiny round beads with smooth edges that are used mainly for beadweaving and embroidery. The beads come in a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes.
The higher the size number of the seed bead the smaller the bead. A size 11 seed bead is smaller than a size 8 seed bead. There seem to be discrepancies about what the size of the bead means. Does the size refer to the number of beads in an inch? If so, a size 11 seed bead will have approximately 11 beads to an inch. This was not found to be true. The following chart at the About Seed Beads and Micro Seed Beads web address was found: http://www.barkingrock.com/aboutmicro.htm (October 6, 2005).
| Bead Size |
Approx # of beads/inch |
| 6 |
11 |
| 10 |
17 |
| 11 |
19 |
| 12 |
21 |
| 13 |
23 |
| 14 |
25 |
| 18 |
40 |
| 24 |
50 |
The color of the bead comes from the color of the glass from which the cane is made. Rich hues are created to change the color of the glass by adding minerals such as gold and copper. Coloration can be opaque or translucent (transparent).
The final coating on the bead determines the finish. Some of the types of finishes are iridescent (AB or Iris), metallic, matte, pearlized, color lined or metal-lined.
The best quality beads are those that are uniform in size and shape. Delica beads have both of these criteria. These beads are good for projects using peyote or brick stitches as well as for looming.
Beadwork Glossary:
**Aurora Borealis (AB): Beads take on a rainbow or iridescent effect coating on transparent glass, usually on one side of the bead.
**Iris: Rainbow or iridescent effect coating on opaque glass.
**Opaque: No light can pass through the bead. Examples are pearls, turquoise, hematite, lapis, malachite.
**Translucent (Transparent): Somewhat clear, light can pass through the bead.
Examples are crystal, ruby, sapphire, emerald.
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This page last updated on 7-2-2006
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